A Second Look at Leaders

When the Patriarch Avraham negotiated with the Hittites for a plot in which to bury his deceased wife, he was accorded the greatest respect by the heathens possessing Hebron.

“You are a prince appointed over us by G-d,” they said to him as they offered him the choice of any plot he desired.

This is how the dialogue between Avraham and the erstwhile landlords of the land promised to him is recorded in the Torah portion which will be read this week.

It is a timely reminder of how saintly people throughout history have glorified the Name of Heaven with their behavior and gained the respect of not only their own people but of non-Jews as well. This is a far cry from the way modern leaders, including those in Israel, have lost the respect due to their position because of their irresponsible personal and official behavior. Daily headlines of police investigations of prominent politicians can only lead to a disrespect of authority altogether.

The people of Israel deserve leaders of a higher moral caliber to secure Israel forever.

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